Monday, September 23, 2013

Under Siege

Have you ever felt
like your workload is simply too much? Is your task list always
current? Any deadlines approaching quickly? How about that Inbox...down to zero
unread?

Sometimes it
feels...well...like we're surrounded. I don't like that feeling. Sometimes that
feeling persists for days or weeks. I really don't like that at all.

Breathe

One way to deal with
the self-induced stress that swirls inside our heads is to simply stop and
breathe. I'm not talking about dropping into a downward dog pose, but literally
to just stop what you're doing and allow your mind to take a break.

We all spend so much
time moving as fast as possible, caught up in a corporate world of unattainable stretch goals, loaded schedules and unrealistic expectations that we never
simply stop.

Stop. Take a slow deep
breath and allow yourself a few moments. Trust me, the work will be there
thirty seconds from now.

Plan

Now you need to take
the next step and get back in control. It's time to begin a daily ritual of
using your task app and get yourself on top of the chaos.
Starting each day with a quick review and re-prioritization of what needs to be done
is essential.

The symbolism is
powerful here. Each day starts with you deciding what is going to happen and
why. Sure, issues will come up and you'll have to make adjustments (that's
called life); but overall you'll be driving the process.

Do you allow yourself
time each day to do your work? Or, do you allow your calendar to fill up with
meetings? You're not a doormat, so stop acting like others can walk all over
your day.

Readjust your schedule, say no to some meetings, and send other team members in your
place. Take action to preserve not only your sanity, but the quality of your
work as well.

How About You

Open your mental gates
and attack! Stop feeling like you've been holding on for months waiting for
relief. It's time to take the offensive on the lists, and projects, and
expectations laying siege to your state of mind.